I wear a ring almost every day that says "be still". It's scrolled out with the metal of the ring, and the underside is inscribed with Psalm 46:10..."be still and know that I am God." That's an easy verse to give to someone else who is hurting, but when we're the ones in pain, it's the hardest thing to do. There has been a lot of hurt in the lives of people I love here lately, and there's nothing I can do about it. Other people in my life are having happy times of celebration, and sometimes it's hard to balance all of it. The truth is, we can't do any of it on our own. We can't know real joy and happiness outside of Jesus. We can't make it through the pain without Him either. Here on earth, Jesus knew both happy times and sorrow. He was celebrated in Jerusalem one day, and a few days later some of those same people were calling for His death. Even though it was part of God's plan for Him to die, it still probably hurt to hear people passionately hate Him so openly. He had friends betray Him. He felt the sorrow of losing friends and loved ones. He also knew the joy of restoring sight to the blind, mobility to the crippled, purity to the lepers, and life to the dead. Jesus experienced every emotion that we face, but He's often the last place we turn when we are facing it ourselves. We try so hard when we really just need to rest. It may not all make sense here, but He knows. We may face unspeakable horrors, but He can still redeem it. Even if we feel like there's no way God can still love us, use us, forgive us...He still can and He still does. He never stops. He never gives up. He never leaves.
"Just Be Held"
Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who wont let go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
